Dear Editor, I
’ve been very interested in the articles about downtown
revitalization in Morgan Hill. A few weeks ago, I experienced just
another variation of what happens when I’ve tried to shop in he
downtown. It made me wonder if, during the Downtown Business
Association meetings, they remind business owne
rs that one of the primary things they could do to help downtown
thrive is be open on the weekends and ready to take our money?
Dear Editor,
I’ve been very interested in the articles about downtown revitalization in Morgan Hill. A few weeks ago, I experienced just another variation of what happens when I’ve tried to shop in he downtown. It made me wonder if, during the Downtown Business Association meetings, they remind business owners that one of the primary things they could do to help downtown thrive is be open on the weekends and ready to take our money?
I had worked my route to specifically patronize downtown businesses, shopping for business supplies, yarn needles, lunch and arrangements for takeout dinner. I wound up going down to Gilroy for everything because the shops were either closed (Jody’s Junction), couldn’t take a credit card because “the machine wasn’t hooked up” (and didn’t consider any alternatives, like taking the number and calling for authorization like they used to before machines – Continental Stitch), or you had to call ahead for reservations for lunch/tea (Vintage Pear), or didn’t have any menus for dinner takeout (Trail Dust, a restaurant I really like). My purchases would have totaled more than $300, and I came away with nothing but a wasted hour.
I noticed soon after that the Art Supply shop is closing, and I’m sorry to see that because I loathe Michael’s, but it was never open when I could get downtown. It seems only South Valley Bikes, BookSmart and its related businesses The Music Tree, and the restaurants are open past 6pm or on the weekend. (I wonder what would happen to their bottom lines if they diversified and carried art and office supplies?)
I’ve read before that some city leaders envision that some day downtown will be like those of Los Gatos or Palo Alto, “destination places,” and I’d like to see that. However, I can imagine that if I had traveled from San Jose or Los Gatos or Palo Alto and hadn’t been able to make purchases, I’d never bother coming back.
I appreciate that these are small businesses. Staffing them six and seven days a week is tough, but I bet I’m not the only local who has experienced this. As a significant portion of Morgan Hill commutes out of the city to work, business hours catering to those who stay at home or work in town and can shop during the work hours of 10am-6pm leaves out a significant number of people looking to make purchases on nights and weekends.
For a vital downtown and shops that can stay, I hope they consider ways to capture that market, because like me, they’re spending their money somewhere, just not here.
Dina Campeau, Morgan Hill
